Joker – Tron review

Artist: Joker
Title: Tron
Label: Kapsize
Genre: Dubstep/Grime
Format: 12″, Digital
Buy From: Juno Records, Juno Download

A review of Joker must, it would seem by the unwritten rules of music journalism, make mention of “purple wow” – the somewhat tongue-in-cheek groundbreaking sound he virtually single handedly created, and continues to propagate, alongside fellow Bristol 140bpm brethren, Guido and Gemmy (both hotly tipped for 2010, by the way).

This one-sided 12”, with an etching on the flip, and a VIP mix available on digital download, marks the fifth release on Joker’s very own Kapsize label. In terms of points of reference, we can’t ignore such seminal moments from his past as “Digidesign” (undisputed bass anthem of 2009 alongside Joy Orbison’s “Hyph Mngo”) and his collaborative work with Ginz, “Purple City”.

Leading on in this vein, “Tron” is another masterpiece to hang in Joker’s already ornately decorated wall of musical fame. Scintillating synth manipulation, ticking beats, screeching, glitched up melodic interplay and womping, heaving basslines predominate here. With either foot planted firmly in grime and dubstep, at its core “Tron” is a flagship tune for that iconic, synaesthetic manifestation of the elusive ‘Bristol Sound’ of the present day. As we said all along, you can always count on Joker to add some colour to the soundwaves.

Review: Belinda Rowse